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Science 30 May 1969:
Vol. 164. no. 3883, pp. 1054 - 1056
DOI: 10.1126/science.164.3883.1054
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Articles

Sterile Soil from Antarctica: Organic Analysis

N. H. Horowitz 1, A. J. Bauman 1, R. E. Cameron 1, P. J. Geiger 1, J. S. Hubbard 1, G. P. Shulman 1, P. G. Simmonds 1, and K. Westberg 1

1 Space Sciences Division, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91103

Soils from the dry-valley region of Antarctica can be sterile by the usual microbiological criteria and yet contain significant amounts of organic carbon. Examination of one such soil shows that the organic material is finely divided anthracite coal. These findings have significant implications for the biological exploration of Mars.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
On the ability of the Viking gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer to detect organic matter.
K. Biemann (2007)
PNAS 104, 10310-10313
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The limitations on organic detection in Mars-like soils by thermal volatilization-gas chromatography-MS and their implications for the Viking results.
R. Navarro-Gonzalez, K. F. Navarro, J. d. l. Rosa, E. Iniguez, P. Molina, L. D. Miranda, P. Morales, E. Cienfuegos, P. Coll, F. Raulin, et al. (2006)
PNAS 103, 16089-16094
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Viking Labeled Release Biology Experiment: Interim Results.
G. V. Levin, G. V. LEVIN, and P. A. STRAAT (1976)
Science 194, 1322-1329
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Search for Organic and Volatile Inorganic Compounds in Two Surface Samples from the Chryse Planitia Region of Mars.
K. Biemann, K. BIEMANN, J. ORO, P. TOULMIN III, L. E. ORGEL, A. O. NIER, D. M. ANDERSON, P. G. SIMMONDS, D. FLORY, A. V. DIAZ, et al. (1976)
Science 194, 72-76
   Abstract »    PDF »
Microbiology of the Dry Valleys of Antarctica.
N. H. Horowitz, R. E. Cameron, and J. S. Hubbard (1972)
Science 176, 242-245
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)